5:00am Sunday: Hurricane Victor was centered about 280 miles southeast of Manu’a…340 miles southeast of Tutuila, and it continues to move south slowly.
Hurricane Victor is expected to move further south from American Samoa through Monday night as it continues to intensify to a Hurricane Category 2 (winds of 96 to 110 MPH)…then turn westward Monday night, heading towards Tonga.
Winds are expected to gradually diminish across the territory Sunday afternoon through Sunday night as Hurricane Victor moves further away.
As a result, the Tropical Storm warning for the Manu’a islands will likely be downgraded to a Wind Advisory Sunday afternoon, while the Wind Advisory for Tutuila and Aunu’u will likely be cancelled Sunday afternoon.
Satellite imagery this morning shows a broad rainband from Hurricane Victor moving across Manu’a islands.
A Flash Flood Watch continues for Manu’a until tonight as the potential for flash flooding remains high.
The most important warning that will continue through at least Tuesday is the High Surf Warning for Tutuila, Aunu’u and Manu’a islands.
There have been numerous reports across the territory of coastal inundation and homes being evacuated due to flooding from the storm surge, especially during high tides.
The next high tides will be at 2:08 PM Sunday and 2:31 AM Monday for Pago Pago, and be at 1:43 PM Sunday and 2:06 AM Monday for Ta’u, Manu’a.
The National Weather Service strongly advises the public and mariners to please stay away from the ocean during warning conditions as these conditions are very dangerous.
Although seas and surf are expected to gradually subside this evening, it will remain above warning levels through at least Tuesday.
For mariners, the gale warning for coastal waters of Manu’a and the gale watch for Tutuila and Aunu’u will continue through Sunday night as Hurricane Victor moves further away from the area. However, the advisory for small crafts will likely remain for most of the week.
For new updates, please visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov/ppg
Contact AS Department of Homeland Security at 699-3800 to report any damages and when you need assistance due to current weather conditions.
